Sierra Leone entry requirements for Mexico passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Mexican passport holders need an eVisa to enter Sierra Leone. Apply online before you travel; approval usually takes a few business days. As of 2026, this is the only way to get a visa for tourism or business.
Apply for Sierra Leone eVisaOfficial portal: Sierra Leone eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Sierra Leone eVisa at the official Immigration Department portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Freetown International Airport will stamp you in on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Mexican passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Sierra Leone. Airlines at Mexico City and Cancún will check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Freetown International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a booking reference speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to show you have enough money for your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it helps if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport — and they may charge you.
eVisa is the only option
Mexican passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. Do not travel without an approved eVisa — you won't be allowed to board.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the Sierra Leone eVisa portal (usually through the immigration website). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and print eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print a paper copy and also save the PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Lungi International Airport (FNA)
After landing, go to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation booking. They'll stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags, then walk through customs. There's no arrival declaration form needed. You're free to go.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Mexico Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. 1,600 MXN)
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 3,000 MXN)
Ideal for frequent visitors.
Business visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 2,000 MXN)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. 4,000 MXN) plus processing
For those with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. 2,000 MXN) plus school fees
For enrollment in accredited institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 10,000 MXN) plus investment proof
For those investing at least $50,000 USD in a local business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | $80 USD (approx. 1,600 MXN) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $150 USD (approx. 3,000 MXN) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires. | $50 USD (approx. 1,000 MXN) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $500 USD. | $10 USD (approx. 200 MXN) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Sierra Leone
No transit visa needed
Mexico passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsLungi International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; certificate may be checked at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Sierra Leone, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Freetown
Sierra Leone Immigration Department Headquarters
15 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and visa issues.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo Government Hospital Road, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for southern region.
Practical information for MX travellers
Country basics
CapitalFreetown
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencySierra Leonean leone (SLL)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 24,355.05 SLL
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GTypes D (3-pin) and G (3-pin rectangular) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Usually 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option listed.
The official fee varies but is typically around $80–$100 USD for a single-entry tourist eVisa. Check the eVisa portal for the exact amount at the time of application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and apply for a new visa.
Yes, Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) on arrival.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. Mexican passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. The eVisa must be approved before travel.
No. The only option is the eVisa. Plan ahead and apply online before you go.
Sierra Leone uses the leone (SLL). US dollars are widely accepted for hotels and larger purchases, but you'll need local currency for taxis and markets. ATMs are available in Freetown but can be unreliable.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.